Weekend Mix: What is Success?

“Success” is that big, vague goal we’re all trying to reach in our lives. Why not? We all like winning, and being successful means we’ve won at the game of life, right?! Score! But what does it mean to be successful? What does it take? And how the heck am I supposed to define success in the first place? The whole topic can seem so elusive sometimes.

When I was younger, I equated success with having a lot of money. This idea was certainly reinforced by games like Monopoly and Life, but I can’t blame my perspective on boardgames alone. Our society revolves around cash in many ways. When I entered college, I decided that I was going to be in school for the purpose of getting an education, rather than finding a job. Approaching college with this framework changed everything for me. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to find employment after I graduated. I did! But I had also decided that I wouldn’t let my desire for financial security bulldoze my desire to learn about things that inspire me. I’ve never regretted that choice.

Following my passions brings me joy, and that’s how I’m beginning to define success for myself. Am I happy? Am I doing work that positively contributes to society? When the answers to these questions are yes, then I feel successful.

I acknowledge that my thoughts on the topic of success may not ring true for everyone. Success is something that each person should define in their own terms. The Archive is filled with Leaders who all have unique perspectives on the topic, and I’ve compiled them for this Weekend Mix. If you’re still thinking about how you’d like to define success for yourself, check ‘em out for some inspiration!